Monday marked the return of Portland’s favorite son, as Lillard met with the media to discuss an earlier-than-anticipated homecoming. Last week, the nine-time All-Star announced he was returning to the Rose City two years after requesting a trade that took him 2,000 miles from the only NBA home he’d ever known.

Following his torn left Achilles tendon in the first round of the playoffs, the Bucks stunned the NBA by waiving and stretching the remaining $113 million on Lillard’s contract over the next five years. This move created the necessary cap space for Milwaukee to sign Myles Turner.

Lillard reflects on coming home to Portland, expressing deep gratitude for the city, the franchise and the emotional moment he told his kids they wouldn’t have to leave again.